The Powerful Benefits of Sleeping Together

Couples that sleep together gain more than shut-eye. Cuddle up with your partner and reap the intimate benefits of co-sleeping. Regardless of your partner’s sometimes annoying bedtime behavior, the truth is that sleeping with your spouse can actually have powerful and positive effects on your bond.

Couples who sleep together might experience better health. They were less likely to awaken during the night and more likely to sleep soundly, and that co-sleeping could actually help to lessen the levels of the stress hormone cortisol.Cortisol is behind feelings of anxiety and stress that can lead to major health problems down the road, and not only does co-sleeping help to decrease it, but assistant also it could help increase oxytocin. Oxytocin is a “bonding” hormone that helps to create feelings of love and intimacy between couples, and it plays an important role in our relationships and our sex lives.

However, co-sleeping isn’t always easy. Many couples want to sleep together but find it so disruptive that they give up and retreat to separate beds. If you choose to bail, not only does this mean that you won’t reap the amazing benefits of co-sleeping, but it also means that you will lessen your chances of intimacy. You might find that your sex life suffers and your emotional connection weakens, as you no longer have as many opportunities for sexual interaction or pillow talk, all of which can help to organically create those feelings of bonding and intimacy.

If this sounds familiar, here are some easy ways to help create better rest for both you and your partner:

►Try to get on the same sleep schedule: If he’s a night owl and you’re out like a light by 10 p.m., it can be hard to find middle ground. Try to find a way to compromise: Maybe you can stay up an hour later and he can come to back an hour earlier. The compromise won’t be easy at first, but once you start reaping the benefits of increased intimacy, you might find the adjustment worth it.

►Talk to a doctor about snoring: Is snoring the main issue behind your lack of sleep? It could indicate a health problem. Some doctors recommend taking an antihistamine before bed to help clear the passageways and promote quieter sleep, but there could be any number of factors behind snoring (including excess weight), so be sure to talk to a doctor and ask for sleeping solutions, whether it’s you or your mate who’s the culprit.

►Tackle temperature troubles: If you can’t agree on temperature or the number of blankets that work for you, find unique ways to compromise. Maybe you can sleep under the comforter while he sleeps on top of it with a light blanket, or maybe you can bundle up in warmer while he goes in the buff.It’s all about what works for you and your relationship. And, at the end of the day, if co-sleeping doesn’t work for you, don’t fret. Just make it a point to find other opportunities to snuggle, have sex, and be intimate throughout the day.